Centers for Disease Control - CGH

Description

Improving access to quality-assured laboratory services is an essential aspect of the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland (GKOS) and PEPFAR’s response to the HIV and TB epidemics Swaziland’s laboratory services are particularly challenged by a severe shortage of qualified, locally-based laboratory professionals. 72% of the lab workers are expatriates, many of whose salaries are donor supported. As a result, people infected with HIV and/or TB do not have consistent access to quality-assured results from the diagnostic and monitoring tests required to treat their medical conditions. Viral load monitoring has replaced CD4 counts as the standard of care for HIV treatment, and is a critical component of the Swaziland HIV program’s implementation of Test & Start activities, enabling HIV+ clients to access treatment immediately upon diagnosis. However, the current laboratory infrastructure cannot support the purchase of required equipment for viral load analysis and reporting, the additional personnel or the necessary expansion of the laboratory transport and information systems to assure that clients at all facilities have access to viral load monitoring. Viral load monitoring has replaced CD4 counts as the standard of care for HIV treatment, and is a critical component of the Swaziland HIV program’s implementation of Test & Start activities, enabling HIV+ clients to access treatment immediately upon diagnosis. However, the current laboratory infrastructure cannot support the purchase of required equipment for viral load analysis and reporting, the additional personnel or the necessary expansion of the laboratory transport and information systems to assure that clients at all facilities have access to viral load monitoring. Given that access to quality-assured laboratory services is essential for initiating individuals infected with HIV, TB, and associated conditions on appropriate treatment and managing them, the purpose of this FOA is to work with the Swaziland Health Laboratory Service to implement its strategic plan, improve quality management systems, decentralize access to laboratory services, and develop a base of laboratory professionals who can supply viral load results. The scope of the project includes every public, mission, and industry-managed health facility in Swaziland.

Who can apply

• Others

Contact

Priyanka Rathod<br/>wnv9@cdc.gov<br/>
wnv9@cdc.gov